Fur and Loathing: What Do Cats Hate?

Sometimes your cat just doesn’t like something. You know that look that they give you when they don’t approve. Although it’s wrong to generalize and say that all cats don’t like this or that, because each one is unique, it’s also important to recognize that there are some things that all cats generally hate. As a responsible owner to your feline friend, it’s important to recognize which things your cat detests, and only present your cats with those things when they have done something wrong.

All joking aside, it’s impossible to eliminate everything that your cat hates, but when you remember this short list of sure-fire aggravators, you give your cat a fighting chance at being a happy cat. So, let’s take a look at 10 things that are seriously going to peeve Mr. Whiskers.

Top 10 Things Cats Hate

1. Loud Noises

Do you know that look on your cat’s face when they hear fireworks? It’s the same look you see when there is thunder or loud car noises nearby. If there’s a raging party going on overhead, your cat is going to be one unhappy camper, and that’s because loud noises are very disturbing to cats. Even when you abruptly sneeze, your cat is going to show displeasure. So, if you want to make your cat a happy cat, live in a quiet neighborhood and try not to cough.

2. Car Rides

This is one of the key areas in which dogs and cats differ. Dogs are happy as clams when they’re in the car, sticking their head out the window and putting their tongues in the air, but this is not the truth for cats. Cats will literally scream when you take them for a drive, so visiting the vet, as you may know, is not a fun time. There isn’t much you can do to alleviate your cat’s misery. Simply drive responsibly fast and try to get the ordeal over with. Give your cat a toy, if you can.

3. Other Cats

Cats don’t like other cats in their territory; plain and simple. Cats are very territorial by nature, and they are none too pleased when other cats are on their stomping ground. The great thing about a multi-cat household is that cats eventually learn to share the space and make it work, kind of like you do with your colleagues at the office. Be sure that, when you own multiple cats, that you treat them all the same, because they will notice the inequality. If your cat doesn’t like to see other cats in the yard, be sure to close the blinds.

4. Nasty Litter Box

Hey, you wouldn’t like it either. Cats hate to go to the bathroom in a dirty litter box, and do you even blame them? The cat’s sense of smell is 14 times greater than your own, and that means that when it’s dirty in there, it bothers you, but it tortures them. What the end result is is litter box avoidance, and this is something that you want to avoid at all costs. Once you find a litter that your cat likes, be sure to keep it clean by emptying the nasty stuff at least once a day. This is safer for your cat, and safer for your home.

5. Strangers

Some cats are social, but for the most part, cats don’t like the new guy. They run away when they hear a knock on the door, and when you’re holding a dinner party, they’re nowhere in sight. That being said, if you’re one of the lucky ones, you have a gregarious cat that likes to nuzzle into strangers.

6. Stale Food

Again, can you blame them? Cats don’t like stale or spoiled food, for the same reason that you don’t like it either. Some dogs actually relish in rotten food, but the same does not go for cats. If you have leftover food in the bowl each day, they either don’t like the food or they’re just being over-fed. Be sure to clean the bowls regularly so that there isn’t a buildup of old food, which is only going to make the problem worse. Reduce the portion size and clear the leftovers after about 30 minutes. This will lead to better eating habits.

7. Medication

Cats do not like to take their meds, and that’s why when your cat is on a liquid antibiotic you literally need to thrust it down their throats. Try coating the tablets with a little butter or cream cheese to help it to go down smooth. Cats don’t like swallowing dry pills, so if they’re really sick and they need the meds, try to butter it up a bit to make it more palatable. If it’s possible to crush up the pill and put it in their food, all the better.

8. Being Ignored

Felines, like all animals, require affection. The common stereotype is that cats want to be alone all the time, but this is simply not the case. There’s nothing a cat hates more than being ignored, and that’s why you need to give your cat the affection they crave, within reason. This can be particularly difficult if you’re someone that works from home, because your cat is going to get all up in your computer. If this is the case, be sure to take time out to play with your cat.

9. Overly Aggressive Petting

Be sure to use a light touch when petting your cat. When you pet too aggressively you can over-stimulate the cat and they may just bite you in retaliation. The reason they bite or scratch is because they’re trying to send you a message that you’re petting too vigorously. When you pet your cat, observe them and see how they’re taking the pressure. When the ears are furled back, you’re not doing it right.

10. Getting Wet

Remember going to the beach with your mom as a kid and seeing how she didn’t like to get her hair wet? This is the same scenario for your cat. Cats don’t love water, but there are a few who don’t mind it so much. Thank goodness most cats don’t need to be bathed regularly like humans do. When it is bath time, be sure to give your cat a lot of care and affection during that time, because they’re literally going through hell.

Now that we’ve talked about the negative, let’s focus on the positive! Even though there are some things that cats generally hate, there are also things that they love. No matter what kind of cat you have, or how old they are, there are certain things that they’re going to have a passion for. Let’s explore.

What Do Cats Like?

1. Sleeping

Who doesn’t like a good night’s rest? Cats sleep roughly 16 hours a day, so it’s quite obvious that they have a passion for it, and that they physically need it. There are some cats that are more prone to sleep than others, but no matter how much your cat sleeps, you’re definitely going to catch them cat-napping in the afternoon.

2. Playing with Things

Cats love to play, just like dogs do, and often you’ll catch them playing with random objects. You can spend a fortune on things to entertain your cat, but most likely they are going to prefer random things like shoe laces, strings, and socks. They like these random objects because they spark their curiosity and send them into a cat frenzy.

3. Pestering You

Cats have a knack for pestering you at the worst possible time. Cats want attention and they want it now. This is particularly true at those times of the day when you can’t pay attention to them. Cats don’t care if you’re trying to work or not, and that’s why they like to visit you in the bathroom, and as we mentioned earlier, nap on your keyboard. Cats are like kids in this respect, and that’s why when you’re trying to get some alone time, you’ll see that arrant paw underneath the door.

4. Hiding

Cats have an instinctual need to hide. When you have people over to the house, you’re going to have a hard time finding them. Not only do they like to disappear, they also end up in the oddest places. If you want to give your cat a secure hiding place, be sure to set out a cardboard box for them to disappear into. In fact, there’s a good chance you may only see them at meal time if you do.

Cats don’t like to bathe, but they sure like to groom themselves. Not only do they enjoy this, they also enjoy grooming other cats and perhaps you as well. That explains why cats have the sandpaper-like tongue that makes you bristle. Cats are very tidy animals, and that’s because they have an infatuation with cleaning themselves all day long.

Conclusion

Who knew cats and humans both loved to sleep? I hope you enjoyed the article and if so, kindly share it with your friends.

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Cat Checkup does not intend to provide veterinary advice. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their cats; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance.